The Mets are continuing their search for left-handed relief help outside of the organization, having expanded their search to teams in the National League West.
The Dodgers have multiple left-handed relief options on their roster. As such, Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles reports the Mets are keeping an eye on Dodgers LHP’s JP Howell, Adam Liberatore, and Paco Rodriguez in the event one or more of them become available before Opening Day.
Howell, 31, went 3-3 with a 2.39 ERA in 68 appearances for the Dodgers last season, having held left-handed hitters t a .170 average and a .512 OPS. Howell has held lefties to a .219 average in his nine year career with the Rays and Dodgers.
Liberatore, 27, has spent his entire pro career in the Rays organization but has never pitched in the big leagues. He held left-handed hitters to a .176 average with Triple-A Durham last season. He went 6-1 with a 1.66 ERA in 54 relief appearances with the Bulls in 2014.
Rodriguez, 23, went 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 19 appearances for the Dodgers last year, holding left-handed hitters to a .241 average. He held lefties to a .224 average with Triple-A Albuquerque last season.
Howell would be the most intriguing of the three considering his track record and experience if he were made available. He battled arm issues late in his stint with the Rays, but has regained his form since leaving Tampa Bay. He will earn $4 million this season and the Dodgers hold a $6.25 million option on him for 2016.
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